Journal Articles

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Influence of Maternal Knowledge and Skills on Mixed Feeding Practices among Infants below 6 Months in Wajir County
(Journal of Medicine, Nursing & Public Health., 2023-11) Ibrahim, Khadija Mohamed; Gisemba, Beatrice; Mugambi, Lawrence
Wajir County is estimation to have 749 deaths of infants below 6 months every year. In 2014, information from KDHS revealed that only 32% of infants below six months are wholly breastfed, their mothers introduce other foods, that is, weans their children instead of exclusive breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the how the mother/caregiver’s knowledge and skills influenced mixed feeding practices among infants below 6 months. The study adopted a descriptive cross- sectional study design in data collection through a quantitative approach, and the study target population comprised all the 802 mothers with infants below six months from which a sample size of 260 respondents was drawn. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. It was found that overall, the caregivers’ knowledge of all the mixed feeding indicators for a child with normal nutrition status was low. The knowledge was particularly low on continued breastfeeding, minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity, and on how to feed a child during illness. Knowledge score at the time of introduction to mixed feeding and on giving vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables was however high. It was recommended that the county Department of Health of Wajir, through the nutrition unit, needs to scale up Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) on mixed feeding targeting caregivers of children below 6 months of age with appropriate MIYCN information. The primary focus should be on continued breastfeeding, minimum meal frequency, and minimum dietary diversity
Association between Family History and Hypertension among the Patients in Nairobi:
(Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals & books, 2021-11) Oirere, Moseti; Nyavanga, Eunice; Gisemba, Beatrice
Hypertension is an important public health issue globally. With the global prevalence of hypertension being 40%, Africa ranks the highest with a prevalence of 46%. The high burden in developing countries is attributable to the high levels of risk factors. In Kenya, 20-30% of adults had hypertension in 2013. However, there is little information on the prevalence of hypertension and its association with family history as its risk factor among adult patients seeking medical care in Nairobi. The primary goal of this study was to determine the association between family history and hypertension among adult patients at Mbagathi Hospital. Fisher's formula was used to determine the sample size which was composed of 384 respondents while systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants. The study adopted a cross-sectional, descriptive study design. Data collection included the use of a questionnaire that included both open and closed-ended questions given to each participant with each being allowed to exercise informed consent before responding to questions. Descriptive statistics mainly means and percentages were used to analyze data. Inferences were made using the chi-square statistic. Statistical significance was set at P <05. Patients with hypertensive parents had a high prevalence of hypertension (42.2%). A significant connection between family history and hypertension (p=0.017) was discovered using a statistical chi-square test while 69.9% of the participants had a family member who had hypertension. Family history was an associated risk factor for hypertension; respondents who had a family member with hypertension and mostly those with a hypertensive mother were more likely to be hypertensive.
Aflatoxin Analysis in Staple Food Cereals and Assessment of Households’ Awareness on its Management in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
(International Journal of professional Practice (IJPP), 2020) Marangu, Victor Mwiti; Gisemba, Beatrice; Juma, Rose
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring harmful toxins produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxin contamination is a cross-boundary and multifaceted problem that requires participation and involvement of both private and public stakeholders. Agriculture is the main economic activity of Tharaka-Nithi County, yet it is among the hot spots of aflatoxin in Kenya. The county is extremely vulnerable to climate-related risks; however, there is lack of local data on aflatoxin contamination to inform interventions chiefly due to lack of local research, testing facilities, and qualified personnel. The main purpose of this study was to analyze cereals used as staple foods for aflatoxin contamination and to evaluate households’ awareness on the overall management of aflatoxin, and identify factors contributing to aflatoxin contamination. Eighty one samples were collected and laboratory analysis conducted using ELISA Kit. Aflatoxin levels in 25.8% of samples was above the Kenyan standards of 10ppb with 17.2% exceeding 20ppb. Aflatoxin levels in 44.4% of market samples exceeded 10ppb. The level of aflatoxin contamination was associated with the type of cereals and grains (p<0.05). There was no difference in mean level of aflatoxin in cereals from the study areas (p>0.05). Furthermore, there was no difference in mean level of aflatoxin in the cereals and grains collected from the markets and households (p>0.05). Majority of the farmers (84.7%) were aware of aflatoxin. However, detailed information on its management was scanty and inconsistent. Awareness creation on aflatoxin contamination to all stakeholders in the cereals value chains is needed for their concerted efforts in its control. Recognition of these barriers together with the opportunities for aflatoxin containment, the researcher hoped to improve the knowledge on aflatoxin management, health, and economic well-being of households and by extension the national food security.

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